Formats and production modes
Choose a documentary or presenter-led format, then select Standard or Pro for the build.
On this page
#Choose a format with Niche
Choose a niche before starting the build. Each choice has a source preset. If you already selected your own sources, Kinema asks whether to Use preset or Keep mine. The choice lets you change format without silently discarding deliberate source selections.
Elias starts without a music bed. Enable Music if you want one. A talking-head upload can supply the real presenter instead of an avatar.
| Niche label | Format |
|---|---|
| YTA | A documentary cut built around narration, supporting footage and stills, and optional graphics. |
| Elias | A presenter-led video with an on-camera presenter and generated supporting visuals. |
#Standard and Pro
Open the Standard or Pro control on the composer to select the production mode. Pro requires Web footage. If Web footage is disabled, Pro is unavailable and the composer uses Standard.
The choice affects the generation estimate. Compare the total on Ready to build? after changing it. Both options produce an editable timeline; you can still replace media, adjust captions, add graphics, and render after review.
| Mode | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Standard | A first cut using the footage and image source types you allow. |
| Pro | More precise shot selection for web footage, with extra footage available in the editor when the project includes it. |
#Which should I choose?
- For a narrated documentary using footage from the web, compare Standard and Pro against your budget and desired shot specificity.
- For a presenter video built from generated visuals, start with Elias and review the presenter, cast, and AI look.
- For a video built from your own recording, attach the recording first, then confirm the sources and format it should use.
- Always review the first cut for accuracy and suitability. A production mode is not a substitute for editorial review.